Coffs businessman fails to appear at Court of Appeal hearing

COFFS Harbour businessman Andrew MacLeod has failed to show up for his big day before the Criminal Court of Appeal.

The nine-month suspended sentence given to the champion body-builder over a dark deal he made with jailed state-crime detective Tony Farrell is subject to an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Judgement was expected to be handed down today but by late morning, the only people present in the Sydney courtroom were the DPP panel, the court reporter and two restless corrective services officers.

It was later learned MacLeod had not received a notice to appear and was still in Coffs Harbour.

Judgement was reserved until Monday morning.

Last year a jury found MacLeod guilty of making a collusive agreement with a NSW Police Officer.

Farrell is serving 12 months in protective custody and is expected to be released next February.